Regulator says licensing process will begin next year at earliest pending resolution of legal issues.

Thailand’s telecommunications and broadcasting regulator expects to auction off licenses to operate the frequency spectrum used for third-generation mobile phone services in the first quarter of 2012 at the earliest after outstanding legal issues are resolved, an acting member of the regulator said.

The frequency licensing move is seen as a key step in the continuing liberalization of Thailand’s telecom industry, which is dominated by two state-owned firms that hold rights to grant contracts to private operators. Analysts say progress on the 3G platform can provide substantial economic benefits for the country, where broadband penetration is relatively low.

Read more: Totaltele.com